Definition

“Fair Trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect, that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalized producers and workers – especially in the South.

Fair Trade organizations have a clear commitment to Fair Trade as the principal core of their mission. They, backed by consumers, are engaged actively in supporting producers, awareness raising and in campaigning for changes in the rules and practice of conventional international trade. They can be recognised by the WFTO logo.

Fair Trade is more than just trading: it proves that greater justice in world trade is possible. It highlights the need for
change in the rules and practice of conventional trade and shows how a successful business can also put people first.“

This is a definition agreed by FINE, in 2001. FINE was an informal coalition of main Fair Trade organizations, including Fairtrade International, WFTO (at that time still IFAT, the International Federation of Alternative Trade), NEWS (the Network of European World Shops) and EFTA (the European Fair Trade Association). Since then, NEWS has disappeared and been integrated into WFTO-Europe. EFTA is also a member of WFTO and WFTO-Europe.

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